Honestly, if you've spent any time in Wakefield, you know the drill. You look out the window at the Cathedral, it’s sunny. By the time you’ve found your shoes? Tipping it down. Basically, the weather for wakefield west yorkshire is a masterclass in unpredictability.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, the city is wrapped in that classic West Yorkshire damp. It’s nighttime, about 42°F, and there’s a light rain sticking to everything. Humidity is sitting at a massive 97%. It’s that kind of cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your coat. You know the one.
The Immediate Forecast: Rain, Rain, and More Rain?
If you’re planning the week ahead, keep the brolly by the door. Monday, January 19, looks pretty similar to today—highs of 45°F and light rain throughout both day and night.
Tuesday gives us a tiny break with a cloudy day, reaching 46°F, but don’t get too excited. The rain returns by Tuesday night. The wind starts picking up then too, hitting about 14 mph from the southeast.
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It’s a bit of a soggy slog through midweek. Wednesday and Thursday (January 21-22) are sticking to that 44°F to 45°F range with consistent light rain.
Why the "Wakefield Microclimate" is Actually a Thing
People always lump us in with Leeds or Sheffield. But local experts often point out that Wakefield sits in a bit of a lowland spot compared to the Pennine foothills. This usually means we’re a degree or two warmer than the upland villages, but it also means the moisture tends to hang around.
The humidity here in winter is consistently high. We’re talking 90% plus most days. It makes the 40°F temperatures feel a lot more "biting" than a dry 30°F in the States or even further north in Scotland.
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Is Snow Actually Coming?
The big question everyone asks in the local Facebook groups.
Looking at the data for late January 2026, there is a shift coming. By Friday, January 23, the nighttime temperature drops to 39°F, and we might see a 10% chance of snow. Saturday the 24th looks even more interesting—a mix of rain and snow with a high of only 41°F.
The real cold snap seems to land around Tuesday, January 27. We're looking at snow showers and temperatures struggling to get above 35°F.
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- Sunday Jan 18: 42°F / 40°F (Light Rain)
- Saturday Jan 24: 41°F / 37°F (Rain and Snow)
- Tuesday Jan 27: 35°F / 33°F (Snow Showers)
What to Actually Wear
Forget "fashion." In Wakefield during January, it’s all about the base layers.
Since the wind is coming mostly from the South or Southeast right now, it’s not that freezing Arctic blast yet, but the 97% humidity means if you get wet, you stay cold. A proper waterproof shell over a fleece is basically the city uniform.
Actionable Survival Tips for Wakefield Weather
- Check the wind direction: If it’s coming from the East (like it will be next Saturday), prepare for it to feel much colder than the thermometer says.
- De-humidify: With humidity this high, keep an eye on condensation in older terraced houses around Northgate or Agbrigg.
- The 3 PM Rule: In January, the light starts to fail early. If you’re heading to Sandal Castle for a walk, get it done before 3:30 PM.
- Footwear: The limestone and pavement can get incredibly slick with this constant light rain. Stick to shoes with actual grip.
The weather for wakefield west yorkshire isn't going to win any beauty contests this month. It's grey, it's damp, and it's remarkably consistent in its gloom. But, if you can handle a bit of mist and the occasional flurry by the end of the month, you’ll be just fine. Just don't forget the waterproofs.